DNAs Encoding mosquito oostatic hormones

Abstract

The subject invention concerns three novel peptides which have the property of interfering with the biosynthesis of the enzyme trypsin in an insect gut. This property enables the use of these peptides to inhibit the formation of progeny in blood-ingesting insects, since trypsin is an essential enzyme for food digestion which provides the essential building blocks for egg development in such insects.

We claim: 
     
       1. An isolated DNA molecule encoding a peptide selected from the group consisting of H 2  N-YDPAPPPPPP-COOH; H 2  N-DYPAPPPPPP-COOH; and H 2  N-PAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       2. The DNA molecule of claim 1 encoding H 2  N-YDPAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       3. The DNA molecule of claim 1 encoding H 2  N-DYPAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       4. The DNA molecule of claim 1 encoding H 2  N-PAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       5. A procaryotic vector or baculovirus vector comprising heterologous DNA encoding a peptide selected from the group consisting of H 2  N-YDPAPPPPPP-COOH; H 2  N-DYPAPPPPPP-COOH; and H 2  N-PAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       6. The vector of claim 5 wherein said peptide has the formula H 2  N-YDPAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       7. The vector of claim 5 wherein said peptide has the formula H 2  N-DYPAPPPPPP-COOH. 
     
     
       8. The vector of claim 5 wherein said peptide has the formula H 2  N-PAPPPPPP-COOH.